June 2009 Newsletter

VALUED CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS+

We and the broader FormLA team are passionate about our work, in part, because we see it contributing to effective stewardship of Southern California’s amazingly diverse and delicate land, our oceans, your health, and the health of our community. We felt great synergy with the other exhibitors and visitors at this year’s Alternative Building Expo, who are also committed to protecting these resources as they design and develop the places we work and play.

We believe we’ll see a similar commitment to green building, and sustainability in general, at Dwell on Design LA, a three-day festival of modern design hosted by Dwell Magazine and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. We are excited to be a part of the show and happy to see the intense interest in sustainable design and building practices.

At Dwell on Design LA, we will be displaying new spun aluminum custom planters designed by our client Eli Bonerz (Thanks Eli!), and Cassy will be speaking about sustainable landscapes.

On a personal note, we enjoyed seeing those of you who made it to our May 16th hike and learn. With Sticky Monkey Flowers (Mimulus) and California Buckeye (Aesculus) in bloom, it was an extraordinary experience to share with you. We’ll do one more hike at the JPL site, in the hopes we can catch the Tiger Lilies in bloom…we hope to see you!

Sincerely,
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi

LATEST NEWS+

Cassy Aoyagi on Home Wizards
Water Wise Water Features
Pugh+Scarpa Designed Lofts

UPCOMING EVENTS+

Hike and Learn
Dwell on Design LA
No Sweat Gardening

SERVICE UPDATES+

Reduce Water Usage
Schedule Oak Tree Pruning
Protect Property from Fire

TEAM UPDATE+

See FormLA at the L.A. Marathon
View Cassy and Kirk Biographies

UPCOMING EVENTS+

The FormLA team has garden installations at several events
this Spring, and we would
enjoy seeing you:

June 13: Hike and Learn with Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi. Get details

June 26 – 28: Dwell on Design Los Angeles. Get details

July 18: “No Sweat Gardening” Class. Get details

TEAM UPDATE+

FormLA Team @ L.A. Marathon
Jorge and Zoraya Salazar, Noe Granados, Jesse Nunes, Mario Salazar, and Kirk Aoyagi awoke
at 2:45 a.m. to complete the L.A. Marathon (and a REALLY big breakfast at Dona Rosas). We
look forward to the Marathon returning to March and its traditional 6:00 a.m. start time!

Cassy & Kirk Aoyagi
Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi’s biographies are now posted to the FormLA Website.
Read Biographies

CONTACT FORMLA+

Cassy and Kirk Aoyagi, Principals: Cassy@formlainc.com

Mark Britten, Production Manager: Mark@formlainc.com

John Avakian, Bookkeeping: John@formlainc.com

Jorge Salazar, Maintenance Care Manager: Jorge@formlainc.com

LATEST NEWS+

Cassy Aoyagi Interviewed on Home Wizards
Cassy Aoyagi explains how she, husband Kirk, and the FormLA team transformed the hillside terrace of the Pasadena Showcase House into “a masterpiece.” Cassy shares strategies for sustainably stabilizing steep slopes, integrating the latest water and energy conserving technologies, and making a focal point of the garden’s exquisite Oak trees.
Visit the FormLA News Page
Can Fountains and Pools Be Water Wise?
Kirk Aoyagi explains why conserving water need not mean foregoing the pools and fountains that enhance the calm, play and utility of a space.
Learn About Sustainable Water Features

LEED Landscape Complements Modern Lofts
FormLA is completing the design of one of our most challenging and
fulfilling landscapes, designed to bolster the LEED Platinum potential of
a truly phenomenal project: REthink Development Group’s Lofts at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood. With the project, we aim to
complement Pugh+Scarpa’s remarkable modern design, which
respects the legendary musical history of the site. The landscape
moves from intimate residential spaces designed for privacy to
community spaces and streetscapes designed to enhance interaction
and flow. Throughout the design process, we have worked to bolster
the building’s energy efficiency, minimize landscape maintenance
needs, and, of course, produce vibrant settings that demand little
water. We look forward to telling you more about this exciting project
as it develops.
Visit Pugh+Scarpa’s Designs

SERVICE UPDATES+

Reduce Your Water Usage.
In response to more restrictive water regulations, we began changing timers in May and will continue to preserve maintenance
customers’ compliance as regulations evolve.
Inquire about Water Regulations

FormLA certified water managers can also identify strategies for augmenting an established landscape and watering system to consume less water.
Request a Water Audit

Mulch to Protect Plants from Summer Heat.
We will be adding mulch, which saves water by reducing water loss from soil and keeping plant roots cool. It has the additional benefits of reducing weeds, adding organic matter naturally, providing a cleaner look, and saving money on maintenance and water usage.
Contact the FormLA Maintenance Team

Schedule July/August Oak Tree Pruning Now.
Native oaks demand pruning in July or August to maintain their form and health through the fall. Advance scheduling is recommended.
Schedule Oak Tree Pruning

Protect Your Property from Fire.
Spring is the time to prepare for fire season. The
FormLA maintenance team will protect your home and ensure your outdoor space complies with current codes.
Contact the FormLA Maintenance Team

info@formlainc.com • PO Box 441 Tujunga, CA 91043
phone 818.353.7030 • 310.979.9002 • fax 818.353.6837 • www.formlainc.com